Asphalt Sealcoating in Ft Pierce: Tips, Benefits and Application from a Ft Pierce Asphalt Paving Company

Sealcoating refers to the process of sealing voids and cracks into an asphalt surface using a liquid product, which then protects the pavement from natural hazards such as excessive sunlight, wind, rain, and snow. If left unsealed, the asphalt will begin to oxidize and harden, becoming brittle in the process. From there, cracks can start to form, and the repair costs start mounting up.

How Does the Process Work?

Even though there are different types of sealcoating materials available, the process itself is the same across the board. It starts with a cleaning stage, which is followed by patching the surface, and then coating it with a liquid sealer. This forms an impenetrable sheen once it is dry, protecting the underlying asphalt from the elements, and thus ensuring that it does not degrade over time.

The Different Types of Asphalt Sealcoating in Ft Pierce

Ft Pierce asphalt paving contractors generally use two different types of sealcoating: asphalt emulsion coatings or coal tar sealers. Asphalt emulsion sealers are sometimes preferred because they emit less volatile organic compounds, and because they can be applied more easily. However, they form a protective layer that is slightly more vulnerable to chemical spills than the alternative. Coal tar sealers, on the other hand, are less expensive, but they require more management during the application process. This option is generally the better of the two for asphalt surfaces that are prone to fuel and other chemical spills.

Coatings are also differentiated by the number of solids in the product, with higher quantities of solids indicating a higher quality sealant overall.

Seal coatings can be divided into two more categories: fast-dry and acrylic sealers. Fast-dry sealers, as the name suggests, are designed to dry very quickly so that the asphalt can be used within about an hour by pedestrians, and within one day by automobiles. This is a good option for high traffic areas, where a business needs the driveway or parking lot to be available quickly. However, this option is not as long-lasting, and it has to be applied at temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Acrylic sealers are comprised of synthetic compounds such as acrylic and a variety of other polymers. It is one of the more environmentally-friendly options, and it poses less of a health risk when applied. However, it is on the more expensive side, and it has a lower quality end-result.

The Benefits of Asphalt Sealcoating in Ft Pierce

When you apply sealcoating to your asphalt pavement, you can expect the following benefits:

An extended lifespan for your parking lot or road.

A more aesthetic asphalt surface, due to the uniform surface coat that fills in all the holes and cracks in the pavement.

Protection from moisture, chemicals, and slats that may enter and damage the pavement.

An easy to apply and inexpensive method of performing minor asphalt repairs.

How Often is Asphalt Sealcoating Needed?

The initial sealcoating should be applied roughly one year after the asphalt has been installed. After that, it is recommended to sealcoat the asphalt surface once every two or three years for pavements that experience regular traffic, and once a year for surfaces that are subject to heavy traffic. This investment will pay off in the long run by extending the lifespan of the asphalt, and also eliminating the need for more expensive repairs further down the line. If you would like to find out more about the costs and installation process of asphalt seal coating in Ft Pierce, contact All Asphalt Services today. One of our team members will be able to provide a full run-down of all the details.